If your young person is currently in Year 9 (or the equivalent if home-schooled) and looking for an exciting, different approach to learning, EKC Broadstairs Junior College is the perfect choice.
Located in the Welcome Building, the Junior College offers specialisms in Sports and Catering, giving Year 10 and Year 11 students the opportunity to combine their traditional studies in GCSE English and Maths, with practical skills in a subject they are truly passionate about.
Our current Year 10s have made significant progress in their first few months in terms of confidence and skill growth. We spoke to two of them, Dolly and Aliysha, during their lessons to hear about how Junior College has helped them, and what they’re looking forward to.
Dolly, Junior College Year 10 – Sport Specialism:
What made you choose to study at the Junior College, and why did you pick Sport as your specialism?
“I wanted a fresh start from my previous school. I’ve always liked sports, so when I saw that it was an option here, it was an easy decision.
“There’s many parts of the sports course, including coaching, that matched my interests, and I’m glad I made this choice.”
What do you enjoy about Junior College compared to school?
“There’s less pressure on you to know everything first time, especially when it comes to English and Maths, and the staff are more encouraging.
“There is also more support available, like having class mentors who can sit in on our lessons to help us. Being part of a smaller class means that the day feels more relaxed, and I can get to know people as I can interact with them more.
“I’ve also liked taking part in College events like the Freshers’ Fayre.”
How has studying here helped with your confidence?
“During our sports lessons, we have to coach sessions to younger children, and the rest of the class. We’re also recorded doing this to help with our portfolios.
“At first, I didn’t really want to take part as it seemed quite scary, especially with teaching new people. The staff here helped me build my confidence so that I could lead naturally and enjoy taking part without feeling worried.
“These workshops are a great way to learn how to plan, prepare and run a coaching session effectively, which is helping me adjust my skills.”
Do you play any sports outside of the Junior College?
“I play netball when I’m not in the Junior College. As I’ve done netball for years, I think that’s helped me have a dream of looking into sports, and it’s given me better understanding of some of the ideas and things that we study.
“I feel that I could now easily lead a netball session outside of Junior College if I wanted to.”
What do you hope to do in the future once you complete Junior College?
“Although I have enjoyed all my sports lessons, I now have a new dream of going to Kings College London to study Law.
“Coming here has made me realise that I have the confidence to do what I want. I’ve been looking into careers that can combine my enjoyment of working with younger children, and looking at topics that we do as part of PSHE. In particular, studying Family Law seems really interesting.”
Aliysha, Junior College Year 10 – Catering Specialism:
What’s it like studying Catering at Junior College?
“It’s been lots of fun. We’ve been making all sorts of things like pizzas, and this term we’re making flapjacks. I’ve chosen to create Jaffa Cake ones.
“We get to study in a specialist kitchen in the Catering block, which is used mainly by us. Looking at different things from baking to professional catering has been really interesting.”
What do you enjoy most about Junior College?
“I like that I’ve been able to have the opportunity to make lots of different things and share what skills I had before College. It’s interesting because I never knew I could do this, and I’ve had lots of experiences I wouldn’t have had in school such as creating my own recipes.
“It’s also a bonus to take my learning home and practice there, sharing my creations with my friends and family.”
How have the staff supported you during your time here?
“My Lecturers here have a bigger focus more on our wellbeing and mental health compared to school.
“If there are any issues, they take it into their own hands to help sort things out. They’re always supportive, especially when it comes to helping us learn new ideas in the kitchen, with tutorials.”
What would you like to do after College?
“With my interest in Catering, I had initially hoped to work in restaurants and become a chef, but during my lessons I’ve found that I really enjoy baking and have a talent for it.
“Overall, the course lets me focus on creating what I want, and the baking projects are always my favourite. Something in this area would be fantastic.”
Dolly and Aliysha are only in their first two terms of Junior College, with many more projects and activities to come over the rest of Year 10 and 11.
With access to specialist facilities, smaller class sizes, and our expert staff, they’re empowered to explore their passions and look towards their futures.
If you’re interested and want to learn more, apply today for September.
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